Symptoms overview

Allergic reactions to foods usually occur while eating or within minutes to a few hours of eating the offending food. Signs and symptoms of food allergy can involve the nose, lips, mouth, throat, skin, lungs, and digestive system either individually or in combination. Although the symptoms below are common in allergic reactions, Food Allergies are not the only cause of these symptoms. For example, a reaction might occur as a result of eating spoiled food. Because allergic reactions to foods can be life threatening, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect that you have a food allergy.

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Skin symptoms include itching, swelling, flushing, and hives.

Gastrointestinal (digestive) symptoms include tingling and burning of the lips, mouth, and throat; and nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Respiratory symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, throat swelling, wheezing, and/or difficulty breathing.

Anaphylactic reactions to food are rare but life threatening. If a person is thought to be having an allergic reaction and has trouble breathing or has a reaction that is rapidly worsening, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. If the person has a self-injectable epinephrine device on hand, epinephrine should be given, and then 911 should be called right away.

This section contains more information on anaphylaxis.